Water inlet device, water heater and control method

Abstract

The present application provides a water inlet device, a water heater and a control method, wherein the water inlet device includes a memory, a timer, a valve and a controller; the memory is installed on the water heater and is used to record the end time of the user's last water use; the timer is installed on the water heater and is used to obtain the start time of the user's current water use; at least part of the valve is set at the water inlet end and is used to adjust the flow of cold water flowing into the water inlet end; at least part of the valve is set at the hot water end and is used to adjust the flow of cold water flowing into the hot water end; the controller is used to calculate the time interval between the user's current water use start time and the user's last water use end time, and is used to control the valve when the time interval is less than a preset time period, so that the liquid flows into the water inlet end of the water heater at a smaller flow rate and flows into the hot water end of the water heater at a larger flow rate. The water inlet device, water heater and control method provided by the present application improve the user's shower experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of water heaters, and in particular to a water inlet device, a water heater and a control method. Background Art

[0002] A water heater is a device that uses various physical principles to raise the temperature of cold water into hot water within a certain period of time. Water heaters can be divided into electric water heaters, gas water heaters, solar water heaters, magnetic water heaters, air water heaters, heating water heaters, etc. according to different principles.

[0003] In the related art, the water inlet pipe of the gas water heater can transport tap water to the heat exchanger, and the gas can burn to heat the water in the heat exchanger. The heated water in the heat exchanger can be transported out through the water outlet of the water heater for use by users.

[0004] However, when the gas water heater is used again after being stopped for a short time, a section of hot water first flows out of the water outlet of the water heater and then a section of cold water flows out, which affects the user's bathing. Summary of the invention

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide a water inlet device, a water heater and a control method, which are used to solve the problem that when the gas water heater is used again after being stopped for a short time, the water outlet end first flows out the hot water remaining therein and then flows out a section of cold water, which affects the user's bathing.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides the following technical solutions:

[0007] One aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a water inlet device for a water heater, the water heater having a water inlet end, a hot water end and a water outlet end, the water inlet device comprising a memory, a timer, a valve and a controller; the memory is installed on the water heater and is used to record the end time of the user's last water use; the timer is installed on the water heater and is used to obtain the start time of the user's current water use; at least part of the valve is arranged at the water inlet end and is used to adjust the flow rate of cold water flowing into the water inlet end; at least part of the valve is arranged at the hot water end and is used to adjust the flow rate of cold water flowing into the hot water end; the controller is used to calculate the time interval between the start time of the user's current water use and the end time of the user's last water use, and to control the valve when the time interval is less than a preset time period, so that the liquid flows into the water inlet end of the water heater at a smaller flow rate and flows into the hot water end of the water heater at a larger flow rate.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the valve includes a plurality of one-in-one-out valves, at least one of which can adjust the flow of cold water flowing into the water inlet end, and at least one of which can adjust the flow of cold water flowing into the hot water end.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the valve includes at least one one-inlet and two-outlet valve, the one-inlet and two-outlet valve includes a valve body and a valve sleeve; the valve body has a water inlet, a first water outlet and a second water outlet, an inlet channel is formed between the water inlet and the first water outlet, the inlet channel is connected to the water inlet end, a bypass channel is formed between the water inlet and the second water outlet, the bypass channel is connected to the hot water end; the valve sleeve is disposed in the valve body and can move in the valve body, and the valve sleeve is configured such that when the valve sleeve moves from a first position to a second position relative to the valve body, the flow rate of the inlet channel decreases and the flow rate of the bypass channel increases.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the water inlet and the second water outlet are arranged on the left and right sides of the valve body, and the first water outlet is arranged at the lower end of the valve body;

[0011] The valve sleeve is rotatably or slidably disposed in the valve body, and the valve sleeve has a central hole, and the central hole is opposite to the first water outlet and communicated with the first water outlet;

[0012] The side wall of the valve sleeve has a connecting groove connected to the center hole, and the connecting groove is used to connect the water inlet, the center hole and the first water outlet to form the water inlet channel. The connecting groove is also used to connect the water inlet, the center hole and the second water outlet to form the bypass channel.

[0013] In one possible implementation, it also includes a valve stem, which is connected to the valve sleeve and passed through the first water outlet, and a flow channel is formed between the valve stem and the first water outlet; the valve stem moves along the axial direction of the valve body and is configured such that when the valve stem moves from a first position to a second position relative to the valve body, the flow rate of the flow channel decreases.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first water outlet and the second water outlet are arranged on the left and right sides of the valve body, and the water inlet is arranged at the lower end of the valve body;

[0015] The valve sleeve is rotatably or slidably disposed in the valve body, and the valve sleeve has a central hole, and the central hole is opposite to the water inlet and communicated with the water inlet;

[0016] The side wall of the valve sleeve has a connecting groove connected to the center hole, and the connecting groove is used to connect the water inlet, the center hole and the first water outlet to form the water inlet channel. The connecting groove is also used to connect the water inlet, the center hole and the second water outlet to form the bypass channel.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the controller is also used to control the valve when the operating state of the water heater is stable, the heating state of the water heater is at a maximum value, and the temperature of the water outlet of the water heater is less than a preset temperature value, so that the liquid flows into the water inlet end of the water heater at a smaller flow rate and flows into the hot water end of the water heater at a smaller flow rate.

[0018] Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a water heater, comprising a water heater body and a water inlet device as described above, wherein the water heater body comprises a water inlet end, a hot water end and a water outlet end, and the water inlet device comprises a valve, at least part of the valve is arranged at the water inlet end, and is used to adjust the flow of cold water flowing into the water inlet end; at least part of the valve is arranged at the hot water end, and is used to adjust the flow of cold water flowing into the hot water end.

[0019] Another aspect of an embodiment of the present application provides a control method, including: obtaining the end time of the user's last water use; obtaining the start time of the user's current water use; calculating the time interval between the start time of the user's current water use and the end time of the user's last water use; comparing the time interval with a preset time period, and when the time interval is less than the preset time period, controlling the valve to reduce the cold water flow into the water inlet end of the water heater and increase the cold water flow into the hot water end of the water heater.

[0020] In one possible implementation, it also includes: obtaining the operating status of the water heater; obtaining the heating status of the water heater; obtaining the temperature of the water outlet of the water heater; and controlling the valve according to the operating status, heating status and temperature of the water outlet to adjust the cold water flow rate flowing into the water inlet end of the water heater and the cold water flow rate flowing into the hot water end of the water heater.

[0021] The water inlet device, water heater and control method provided by the present application record the time of the last water use end point of the water heater by setting a memory; record the start time of the current water use of the user by setting a timer; and set valves, at least part of which is set at the water inlet end of the water heater and is used to adjust the water flow rate flowing into the water inlet end of the water heater, and at least part of which is set at the hot water end of the water heater and is used to adjust the water flow rate flowing into the hot water end of the water heater; and set a controller, which can be used to calculate the time interval between the start time of the current water use of the user and the end time of the last water use of the user, and is used to control the valve when the time interval is less than the preset time period to reduce the water flow rate flowing into the water inlet end and increase the water flow rate flowing into the hot water end. That is to say, when the user uses water twice in a short period of time, the controller can control the valve to reduce the cold water flow rate flowing into the water inlet end of the water heater and increase the cold water flow rate mixed with the hot water at the hot water end of the water heater, so as to increase the minimum temperature of the water flowing out of the water outlet end of the water heater and reduce the maximum temperature of the water flowing out of the water outlet end of the water heater, so as to improve the shower experience of the user.

[0022] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of the present application, the technical features that constitute the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions described above, other technical problems that can be solved by the embodiments of the present application, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further described in detail in the specific implementation methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a water inlet device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 4 A front view of a one-inlet and two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial exploded view of a one-inlet and two-outlet valve is shown;

[0029] Figure 6 for Figure 4 An exploded view of the valve core assembly is shown;

[0030] Figure 7 for Figure 4 A three-dimensional longitudinal cross-sectional view of a one-inlet and two-outlet valve in a first state is shown;

[0031] Figure 8 for Figure 4 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0032] Fig. 9 for Figure 4 A transverse cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0033] Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of a second one-inlet and two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application in a first state;

[0034] Fig.11 for Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0035] Fig.12 A transverse cross-sectional view of a third one-inlet-two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application in a first state;

[0036] Fig.13 for Fig.10 A transverse cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0037] Fig.14 A front view of another one-inlet-two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Fig.15 for Fig.14 A partial exploded view of a one-inlet and two-outlet valve is shown;

[0039] Fig.16 for Fig.15 A schematic diagram of a valve sleeve is shown;

[0040] Fig.17 for Fig.15 A schematic diagram showing the mounting rod in a second position;

[0041] Fig.18 for Fig.14 The one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown in a right view in the first state;

[0042] Fig.19 for Fig.14 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the first state is shown;

[0043] Fig. 20 for Fig.14 The one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown in a right view in the second state;

[0044] Fig.21 for Fig.14 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown;

[0045] Fig. 22 for Fig.21 A transverse cross-sectional view of the mounting plate is shown;

[0046] Fig.23 A partial exploded view of another one-inlet-two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Fig.24 for Fig.23 An exploded view of the valve core assembly is shown;

[0048] Fig.25 for Fig.23 The one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown in a right view in the first state;

[0049] Fig.26 for Fig.25 Sectional view at AA;

[0050] Fig. 27 for Fig.21 The one-inlet-two-outlet valve is shown in a right view in the second state;

[0051] Fig.28 for Fig.21 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown.

[0052] Description of reference numerals:

[0053] 1. Valve body; 11. Closed end; 12. Open end; 13. First through hole; 14. Second through hole; 15. Water inlet pipe; 16. Water outlet pipe; 17. Bypass pipe; 18. Cover plate; 181. Mounting hole; 19. Cylinder body;

[0054] 2. Valve core assembly;

[0055] 21. Valve stem;

[0056] 22, valve sleeve; 221, center hole; 222, communication groove; 223, first communication groove; 224, second communication groove; 225, first end surface; 226, second end surface; 227, mounting groove; 2271, first part; 2272, second part;

[0057] 23. Install the rod;

[0058] 24. Interceptor plate;

[0059] 31. Mounting plate; 32. Water retaining platform;

[0060] 4. shaft sleeve; 41. mounting portion; 42. limiting portion; 421. limiting groove;

[0061] 5. Driver;

[0062] 61. Memory; 62. Timer;

[0063] 7. Controller;

[0064] 8. Sealing ring;

[0065] 9. Valve; 91. One-inlet-one-outlet valve; 92. One-inlet-two-outlet valve;

[0066] 10. Water heater; 101. Water inlet; 102. Hot water end; 103. Water outlet; 104. Water inlet branch pipe; 105. Water outlet branch pipe; 106. Bypass branch pipe; 107. Water outlet main pipe; 108. Water inlet main pipe.

[0067] The above drawings have shown clear embodiments of the present application, which will be described in more detail later. These drawings and text descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way, but to illustrate the concept of the present application to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] In the gas water heater of the related art, when the user uses water, the gas water heater detects the water flow signal, first turns on the fan for front cleaning, discharges the exhaust gas in the water heater through the smoke pipe, and after the wind pressure switch detects that it is closed, the gas valve is opened again for ignition and combustion, and the water is heated and flows out through the water heater. It takes about 3 to 5 seconds from the user turning on the water to the ignition and combustion of the water heater, and it generally takes 20 to 30 seconds from the user turning on the water in the bath to the constant temperature hot water flowing out.

[0069] However, when the gas water heater is used again after a short pause, that is, when the user uses water for the second time in a short period of time, because some water remains in the water outlet of the water heater after the last use, the hot water with a higher temperature will flow out of the water outlet of the water heater first. And because it is necessary to wait for the fan to perform pre-cleaning before ignition as mentioned above, and ignition and combustion take 3 to 5 seconds. Therefore, after the remaining hot water flows out, the water with a lower temperature will flow out of the water outlet of the water heater. After the ignition and combustion of the water heater are completed, water of the target water temperature can flow out of the water outlet of the water heater.

[0070] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 2 A schematic diagram of another water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The arrows in the figure indicate the direction of liquid flow. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The water heater 10 may have a water inlet end 101 , a hot water end 102 and a water outlet end 103 .

[0071] Exemplarily, the water inlet end 101 may have a water inlet branch pipe 104, the hot water end 102 may have a water outlet branch pipe 105, and the water outlet end 103 may have a water outlet main pipe 107. A bypass branch pipe 106 may be connected between the water inlet branch pipe 104 and the water outlet branch pipe 105. When the water heater 10 is working, cold water may be transported through the water inlet main pipe 108. The output end of the water inlet main pipe 108 may be connected to the water inlet branch pipe 104 and the bypass branch pipe 106, respectively. In this way, a part of the cold water enters the water inlet end 101 of the water heater 10 through the water inlet branch pipe 104, and a part of the cold water mixes with the hot water flowing out of the water outlet branch pipe 105 through the bypass branch pipe 106, and the mixed water may flow out to the user through the water outlet main pipe 107.

[0072] The inventor of the present application has found that when a user uses water for the second time, if the amount of cold water mixed with the hot water in the hot water end 102 is increased, the temperature of the water flowing out of the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10 can be reduced; if the amount of cold water flowing into the water heater 10 is reduced, the heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger of the water heater 10 can be improved, thereby increasing the temperature of the water flowing out of the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10. In this way, the temperature of the water flowing out of the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10 is brought close to the target water temperature when the user uses water for the second time, thereby improving the user's shower experience.

[0073] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in combination with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments.

[0074] Embodiment 1

[0075] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water inlet device provided in the embodiment of the present application. Figure 1-Figure 3 , the water inlet device provided in the embodiment of the present application may include a memory 61, a timer 62, a valve 9 and a controller 7. The memory 61 may be installed on the water heater 10, and may record the end time of the user's last water use. The timer 62 may be installed on the water heater 10, and may obtain the start time of the user's current water use. At least part of the valve 9 may be set at the water inlet end 101, and may adjust the water flow rate flowing into the water inlet end 101. At least part of the valve 9 may be set at the hot water end 102, and may adjust the water flow rate flowing into the hot water end 102. The controller 7 may calculate the time interval between the start time of the user's current water use and the end time of the user's last water use, and may control the valve 9 when the time interval is less than a preset time period, so that the liquid flows into the water inlet end 101 of the water heater 10 at a smaller flow rate, and flows into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 at a larger flow rate.

[0076] Specifically, the memory 61 can obtain the time of the timer 62 at the moment when the user closes the valve 9 of the water outlet 103 (or shower) of the water heater 10, and save the time as the end time of the user's last water use. The memory 61 can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory 61 (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory 61 (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory 61 (EPROM), programmable read-only memory 61 (PROM), read-only memory 61 (ROM), magnetic memory 61, flash memory 61, magnetic disk or optical disk.

[0077] In addition, the timer 62 can obtain the current time when the user opens the valve 9 of the water outlet 103 of the water heater 10 (or the valve 9 of the shower), and the current time is the start time of the user's current water use. The timer 62 can be a timer, and the timer requires the user to calibrate the time regularly. The timer 62 can also send a request message to the server, and the server returns the obtained current time. The current time can also be obtained from the network from the time.

[0078] In addition, the controller 7 can obtain the end time of the user's last water use sent by the memory 61 and the start time of the user's current water use sent by the timer 62 when the user opens the valve 9 of the water outlet 103 of the water heater 10 (or the valve 9 of the shower). The controller 7 can calculate the difference between the start time of the user's current water use and the end time of the user's last water use to obtain the time interval between two adjacent user water uses. The controller 7 can compare the calculated time interval with the preset time period. If the time interval is less than the preset time period, the controller 7 can reduce the water flow into the water inlet 101 and increase the water flow into the hot water end 102 by controlling the valve 9. If the time interval is greater than the preset time period, the water flow into the water inlet 101 and the water flow into the hot water end 102 are kept unchanged.

[0079] It should be noted that the water inlet device provided in the present application may have at least two states. In the first state, the liquid flows into the water inlet end 101 of the water heater 10 at a relatively large flow rate, and flows into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 at a relatively small flow rate. That is, a state of large water inlet and small bypass volume. The second state: the liquid flows into the water inlet end 101 of the water heater 10 at a relatively small flow rate, and flows into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 at a relatively large flow rate. That is, a state of small water inlet and large bypass volume. The relatively large and relatively small mentioned in this paragraph are two states for comparison. That is, in the second state, compared with the first state, the amount of water flowing into the water inlet end 101 of the water heater 10 is reduced, and the amount of water flowing into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 is increased. When the user uses water for the second time, the water inlet device can operate in the second state for a period of time. After the water inlet device has been running for a period of time, the water inlet device can be switched from the second state to the first state. The time period for the water inlet device to operate in the second state can be a preset value. Alternatively, the water inlet device can be switched from the second state to the first state after ignition and heating.

[0080] Optionally, the controller 7 can control the valve 9 when the operating state of the water heater 10 is stable, the heating state of the water heater 10 is at the maximum value, and the temperature of the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10 is less than a preset temperature value, so that the liquid flows into the water inlet end 101 of the water heater 10 at a smaller flow rate and flows into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 at a smaller flow rate.

[0081] Specifically, the water inlet device provided in the present application may also have a third state: the liquid flows into the water inlet end 101 of the water heater 10 at a relatively small flow rate, and flows into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 at a relatively small flow rate. That is, a state of small water inlet and small bypass volume. When the water heater 10 operates in the first state for a period of time or the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10 flows out hot water of a stable temperature, and the proportional valve for regulating the gas of the water heater 10 is adjusted to the maximum gear, but the outlet water temperature of the water heater 10 measured by the temperature detector arranged at the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10 is lower than the preset temperature value, the water inlet device may be converted from the first state to the third state to increase the temperature of the water outlet end 103 of the water heater 10.

[0082] refer to Figure 1 Optionally, the valve 9 may be arranged in the following ways:

[0083] In one possible implementation, reference Figure 1 The valve 9 may be multiple, each valve 9 may be an inlet and outlet valve 91, the inlet and outlet valve 91 may have a water inlet and a water outlet, and the inlet and outlet valve 91 may change the flow of the pipeline connected to the opening by adjusting the opening of the water outlet or the water inlet. The valve 9 may include two inlet and outlet valves 91, one of which may be arranged on the bypass branch 106 to adjust the flow of the bypass branch 106; the other inlet and outlet valve 91 may be arranged on the water inlet main pipe 108 or the water inlet branch pipe 104. Figure 1 When the valve 91 is arranged in the water inlet main pipe 108, the one-in-one-out valve 91 can adjust the flow of the water inlet main pipe 108. When the one-in-one-out valve 91 is arranged in the water inlet branch pipe 104, the one-in-one-out valve 91 can adjust the flow of the water inlet branch pipe 104. Of course, the valve 9 can also include three one-in-one-out valves 91, and the bypass branch pipe 106, the water inlet branch pipe 104 and the water inlet main pipe 108 can each be provided with one one-in-one-out valve 91.

[0084] In another possible implementation, refer to Figure 2 The valve 9 may include at least one one-inlet and two-outlet valve 92. The one-inlet and two-outlet valve 92 may have one water inlet and two water outlets. The one-inlet and two-outlet valve 92 may change the flow rate of the pipeline connected to the opening by changing the opening of the water inlet and / or the water outlet. The water inlet may be connected to the water inlet main pipe 108, and the two water outlets may be connected to the water inlet branch pipe 104 and the bypass branch pipe 106 respectively.

[0085] The one-in-two-outlet valve 92 can adjust the opening of two openings, and can also adjust the opening of three openings. In order to better control the flow rate, when the one-in-two-outlet valve 92 can only adjust the opening of two openings, a one-in-one-outlet valve 91 is set in the upstream pipeline or downstream pipeline of the one-in-two-outlet valve 92. Exemplarily, when the one-in-two-outlet valve 92 can only adjust the opening of two outlets, a one-in-one-outlet valve 91 can be set upstream of the one-in-two-outlet valve 92. When the one-in-two-outlet valve 92 can only adjust the opening of one outlet and one inlet, and one outlet is connected to the water inlet branch pipe 104, then a one-in-one-outlet valve 91 can be set in the bypass branch pipe 106. Similarly, when the one-in-two-outlet valve can only adjust the opening of one outlet and one inlet, and one outlet is connected to the bypass branch pipe 106, then a one-in-one-outlet valve 91 can be set in the water inlet branch pipe 104.

[0086] Figure 4-Figure 28 Five structures of one-inlet and two-outlet valves 92 are shown. Figure 4-Figure 28 To describe possible implementations of the one-in-two-outlet valve 92. For ease of description, in the embodiment of the present application, the direction indicated by arrow X is the left end of the water inlet device, and the other end is the right end of the water inlet device; the direction indicated by arrow Y is the front end of the water inlet device, and the other end is the rear end of the water inlet device; the direction indicated by arrow Z is the upper end of the water inlet device, and the other side is the lower end of the water inlet device.

[0087] Figure 4 This is a front view of a one-inlet and two-outlet valve 92 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 The one-inlet-two-outlet valve 92 may include a valve body 1, and the valve body 1 may have an axial open end 12 and a closed end 11, that is, one axial end of the valve body 1 is closed to form the open end 12; the other axial end of the valve body 1 has an opening to form the open end 12. Exemplarily, Figure 4 In the embodiment, the valve body 1 may include a cylinder 19 and a cover plate 18. The cylinder 19 may be arranged in a vertical direction, and both the upper and lower ends of the cylinder 19 may have openings. The cover plate 18 may cover the upper open end 12 of the cylinder 19 to form a closed end 11 at the upper end of the cylinder 19, and an open end 12 at the lower end of the cylinder 19. Of course, the valve body 1 may also have other structures for forming the open end 12 and the closed end 11. The embodiment of the present application only uses the structure of the closed end 11 as an example. Figure 4 The structure of the cylinder 19 shown is shown as an example and is not specifically limited.

[0088] refer to Figure 4-Figure 28 A first through hole 13 and a second through hole 14 may be provided on the side wall of the valve body 1 between the open end 12 of the valve body 1 and the closed end 11 of the valve body 1. At least part of the valve core assembly 2 is arranged in the valve body 1 and moves relative to the valve body 1. The valve core assembly 2 is used to change the opening of two of the first through hole 13, the second through hole 14 and the open end 12. Figure 4-Figure 28The accommodating space enclosed by the cylinder 19 and the cover plate 18 in the valve body 1 is taken as an example.

[0089] Below Figure 4-Figure 13 The valve core assembly 2 shown in the figure only changes the opening of the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14 as an example for description. For the way in which the valve core assembly 2 changes the first through hole 13 and the opening end 12, or changes the second through hole 14 and the opening end 12, reference can be made to the way in which the valve core assembly 2 changes the first through hole 13, the second through hole 14 and the opening end 12 mentioned below (corresponding to Figure 14-Figure 28 ) is obtained, which will not be introduced here.

[0090] refer to Figure 4-Figure 13 The first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14 can be arranged on the side wall of the cylinder 19, and the valve core assembly 2 can include a valve sleeve 22, and the valve sleeve 22 can be Figure 4-Figure 11 The valve sleeve 22 can be rotated in the valve body 1 to change the opening of the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14, or the valve sleeve 22 can be rotated in the valve body 1 as shown in FIG. Fig.13 The openings of the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14 are changed by moving in the valve body 1 .

[0091] refer to Figure 4-Figure 11 In one example, the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14 are arranged at different positions in the circumferential direction of the side wall of the cylinder 19 . Figure 4-Figure 11 In the figure, the first through hole 13 is arranged on the left side of the cylinder 19, and the second through hole 14 is arranged on the right side of the cylinder 19 as an example.

[0092] The valve sleeve 22 is rotatably disposed in the accommodation space formed by the cylinder 19 and the cover plate 18, and the rotation axis of the valve sleeve 22 can be disposed along the axis of the cylinder 19. That is, the rotation axis of the valve sleeve 22 is parallel to or coincides with the axis of the cylinder 19. The valve sleeve 22 may have a central hole 221 inside, and the central hole 221 may be opposite to the open end 12 of the valve body 1 and communicate with the open end 12 of the valve body 1. The side wall of the valve sleeve 22 has a communication groove communicated with the central hole 221, and the communication groove can be used to be opposite to the first through hole 13 so that the communication groove communicates with the first through hole 13. The communication groove can be used to be opposite to the second through hole 14 so that the communication groove communicates with the second through hole 14.

[0093] Specifically, the connecting groove and the central hole 221 can connect the first through hole 13, the second through hole 14 and the open end 12 of the valve body 1. There are several possible ways to set the connecting groove:

[0094] In one possible implementation, Figure 6 for Figure 4 An exploded view of the valve core assembly 2 is shown. Figure 7 for Figure 4The three-dimensional longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet and two-outlet valve 92 in the first state is shown. Figure 8 FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve 92 in the second state, Fig. 9 for Figure 4 The one-in-two-outlet valve 92 is a transverse cross-sectional view in the second state. Figure 6-Figure 9 The connecting groove may include at least a first connecting groove 223 and a second connecting groove 224. The first connecting groove 223 and the second connecting groove 224 may have a preset interval in the circumferential direction of the valve sleeve 22. The first connecting groove 223 may be used to connect with the first through hole 13, and the second connecting groove 224 may be used to connect with the second through hole 14.

[0095] Figure 7-Figure 9 The hollow arrows shown in the figure are the flow direction of the liquid. Figure 7-Figure 9 The open end 12 of the valve body 1 can be the water inlet of the one-in-two-outlet valve, and the open end 12 of the valve body 1 can be connected to the water inlet main pipe 108 through the water inlet pipe 15; the first through hole 13 can be the first water outlet of the one-in-two-outlet valve, the open end 12 of the valve body 1, the central hole 221 of the valve sleeve 22, the first connecting groove 223 of the valve sleeve 22 and the first through hole 13 can form a water inlet channel, and the first through hole 13 can be connected to the water outlet pipe 16 through the water outlet pipe 16. Figure 2 The second through hole 14 can be the second water outlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve. The open end 12 of the valve body 1, the central hole 221 of the valve sleeve 22, the second connecting groove 224 of the valve sleeve 22 and the second through hole 14 can form a bypass flow channel. The second through hole 14 can be connected to the bypass pipe 17. Figure 2 The bypass branch pipe 106 in the middle is connected.

[0096] Of course, the first through hole 13 can also be the water inlet of the one-in-two-outlet valve, and the open end 12 of the valve body 1 can be the first water outlet of the one-in-two-outlet valve. The first through hole 13, the first connecting groove 223 of the valve sleeve 22, the center hole 221 of the valve sleeve 22, and the open end 12 of the valve body 1 can form a water inlet channel, and the first through hole 13 can be connected to the water inlet main pipe 108 in Figure 2. The second through hole 14 can be the second water outlet of the one-in-two-outlet valve, and the first through hole 13, the center hole 221 of the valve sleeve 22, the second connecting groove 224 of the valve sleeve 22, and the second through hole 14 can form a bypass channel, and the second through hole 14 can be connected to the bypass pipe 17. Figure 2 The bypass branch 106 is connected. This flow mode can be referred to Figure 14-Figure 28 The one-inlet and two-outlet valve 92 shown is referenced and will not be described in detail here.

[0097] The following is Figure 7-Figure 9The flow mode shown, that is, the first through hole 13 can be the first water outlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve, the second through hole 14 can be the second water outlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve, and the open end 12 of the valve body 1 can be the water inlet of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve, is taken as an example to illustrate the first state and the second state of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve 92.

[0098] refer to Figure 7 , when the one-in-two-out valve 92 is in the first state, the first connecting groove 223 can be directly opposite to the first through hole 13, and the area directly opposite is at a larger value. That is, the area of ​​the first connecting groove 223 overlapping with the first through hole 13 along the radial direction of the cylinder 19 on the side wall of the cylinder 19 is at a larger value. When the one-in-two-out valve 92 is in the first state, the second connecting groove 224 can be directly opposite to the second through hole 14, and the area directly opposite can be at a smaller value. That is, the area of ​​the first connecting groove 223 overlapping with the first through hole 13 along the radial direction of the cylinder 19 on the side wall of the cylinder 19 is at a smaller value.

[0099] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , when the one-in-two-out valve 92 is in the second state, the first connecting groove 223 can be directly opposite to the first through hole 13, and the area directly opposite is at a smaller value. That is, the area of ​​the first connecting groove 223 overlapping with the first through hole 13 along the radial direction of the cylinder 19 on the side wall of the cylinder 19 is at a smaller value. When the one-in-two-out valve 92 is in the second state, the second connecting groove 224 can be directly opposite to the second through hole 14, and the area directly opposite can be at a larger value. That is, the area of ​​the second connecting groove 224 overlapping with the second through hole 14 along the radial direction of the cylinder 19 on the side wall of the cylinder 19 is at a larger value.

[0100] It should be noted that the area of ​​the second through hole 14 can be as follows: Figure 7-Figure 9 As shown, the area of ​​the second through hole 14 is larger than the area of ​​the second communicating groove 224 . Of course, the area of ​​the second through hole 14 may also be smaller than the area of ​​the second communicating groove 224 .

[0101] refer to Figure 8 In order not to affect the water intake of the water heater 10 too much in the second state, that is, to ensure the flow rate of the water intake channel in the second state, the connection point between the first connecting groove 223 and the first through hole 13 can be lower than the second connecting groove 224. In other words, in the second state, only the liquid higher than the lower end of the second connecting groove 224 can flow into the bypass pipe 17 through the second connecting groove 224 and the second through hole 14.

[0102] Specifically, refer to Fig. 9 In the second state, part of the first communication groove 223 is blocked by the inner surface of the cylinder 19. The part of the first communication groove 223 not blocked by the inner surface of the cylinder 19 can be opposite to and connected with the first through hole 13. Figure 8The lower end of the first connecting groove 223 that is not blocked by the inner surface of the cylinder 19 may be lower than the second connecting groove 224. The upper end of the first connecting groove 223 may be as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, it is higher than the lower end of the second communicating groove 224 and lower than the upper end of the second communicating groove 224. Of course, the upper end of this part of the first communicating groove 223 can also be lower than the lower end of the second communicating groove 224.

[0103] In order to realize that in the second state, the portion of the first communicating groove 223 that is not blocked by the inner surface of the cylinder 19, that is, the portion of the first communicating groove 223 opposite to the first through hole 13 is lower than the second communicating groove 224, the shape of the first communicating groove 223 in the embodiment of the present application can be set as follows:

[0104] refer to Figure 5 Optionally, at least a portion of the highest points of the first connecting grooves 223 may be gradually inclined upward along a preset direction. The preset direction may be the rotation direction of the valve sleeve 22 from the first state to the second state. For example, Figure 5 The arrow W in the middle indicates the counterclockwise direction. Figure 2 The valve sleeve 22 can rotate from the first state to the second state along the W direction, that is, the counterclockwise direction. The upper edge line of the first connecting groove 223 can be gradually inclined upward along the counterclockwise direction.

[0105] In order to increase the opening size of the first connecting groove 223, at least part of the first connecting groove 223 can be arranged on the upper part of the side wall of the valve sleeve 22, and at least part of the first connecting groove 223 can be arranged on the lower part of the side wall of the valve sleeve 22. Figure 5 The left edge line of the first connecting groove 223 may be arc-shaped, and the center of the left edge line may be located on the middle right side of the left edge line. That is, the first connecting groove 223 may be a symmetrical figure about the central axis of the valve sleeve 22, and the center of the left edge line may be located on the central axis of the valve sleeve 22. The central axis of the valve sleeve 22 may be parallel to the bottom of the valve sleeve 22, and the distance from the upper end surface of the valve sleeve 22 to the central axis is equal to the distance from the lower end surface of the valve sleeve 22 to the central axis.

[0106] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Optionally, in order to make the valve sleeve 22 rotate more stably in the cylinder 19, the outer surface of the side wall of the valve sleeve 22 may contact the inner surface of the cylinder 19, and the outer surface of the valve sleeve 22 may be adapted to the inner surface of the cylinder 19. In order to make the outer surface of the side wall of the valve sleeve 22 contact the inner surface of the water inlet pipe 15, the upper end surface of the valve sleeve 22 may be higher than the highest end of the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14. The lower end surface of the valve sleeve 22 may be lower than the lowest end of the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14.

[0107] Continue to refer Figure 5-Figure 8In order to drive the valve sleeve 22 to rotate, the valve sleeve 22 may optionally include a side wall and a top wall, and the top wall of the valve sleeve 22 may be fixed with a valve stem 21. The valve stem 21 may pass through the cover plate 18 and be connected to a driver 5 disposed outside the cover plate 18. The driver 5 may drive the valve stem 21 to rotate so that the valve sleeve 22 rotates. The driver 5 may be connected to the controller 7 mentioned above in communication. The driver 5 may be a motor, and the motor may have a motor shaft. The motor shaft may be directly connected to the valve stem 21 by welding, interference fit, coupling, etc., and the motor shaft may also be indirectly connected to the valve stem 21 by a reducer, etc.

[0108] In order to ensure stable rotation of the valve stem 21, a sleeve 4 may be accommodated in the accommodation space formed by the cover plate 18 and the cylinder 19. The outer surface of the sleeve 4 may be fixed to the inner surface of the cylinder 19, and the upper surface of the sleeve 4 may abut against the cover plate 18. The valve stem 21 may pass through the sleeve 4 and may rotate relative to the sleeve 4. The outer surface of the sleeve 4 may be provided with a groove, and a sealing ring 8 may be accommodated between the groove and the inner surface of the cylinder 19 to achieve sealing between the sleeve 4 and the inner surface of the cylinder 19.

[0109] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 In order to achieve the axial limit of the valve sleeve 22 in the cylinder 19, the top wall of the valve sleeve 22 can abut against the lower surface of the shaft sleeve 4. The lower end of the cylinder 19 can be fixed with a water inlet pipe 15, which can be coaxially arranged with the cylinder 19. The diameter of the water inlet pipe 15 can be smaller than the diameter of the cylinder 19, so that the inner surface of the water inlet pipe 15 can be closer to the axis of the cylinder 19, thereby forming a limit groove for limiting the lower end surface of the valve sleeve 22.

[0110] Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of a second one-inlet and two-outlet valve 92 provided in an embodiment of the present application in a first state, Fig.11 for Fig.10 The cross-sectional view of the one-in-two-outlet valve 92 in the second state is shown. Fig.10 and Fig.11 In another example, the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14 are arranged at different axial positions of the side wall of the cylinder 19 . Fig.10 and Fig.11 In the figure, the first through hole 13 is arranged at the lower end of the cylinder 19, and the second through hole 14 is arranged at the upper end of the cylinder 19 is shown as an example.

[0111] The valve sleeve 22 is slidably disposed in the accommodation space formed by the cylinder 19 and the cover plate 18, and the valve sleeve 22 can slide along the axial direction of the cylinder 19. The interior of the valve sleeve 22 may have a central hole 221, and the central hole 221 may be opposite to the open end 12 of the valve body 1 and communicate with the open end 12 of the valve body 1. The side wall of the valve sleeve 22 may have a first communicating groove 223 and a second communicating groove 224 communicated with the central hole 221. The first communicating groove 223 and the second communicating groove 224 may have a preset spacing in the axial direction of the valve sleeve 22. The first communicating groove 223 can be used to communicate with the first through hole 13, and the second communicating groove 224 can be used to communicate with the second through hole 14.

[0112] In addition, the valve sleeve 22 may include a top wall and a side wall. The top wall of the valve sleeve 22 may be connected to a valve stem 21, which may pass through the cover plate 18 and may move axially relative to the cover plate 18 along the cylinder 19. The portion of the valve stem 21 located outside the cover plate 18 may be connected to a driver 5. The driver 5 may be connected to the controller 7 mentioned above in communication. The driver 5 may be a device that can output an axial force, such as a linear motor or a cylinder. The driver 5 may also be a rotary motor or a conversion mechanism that converts torque into linear motion.

[0113] In another possible implementation of the connecting groove, Fig.12 A transverse cross-sectional view of a third one-inlet-two-outlet valve provided in an embodiment of the present application in a first state, Fig.13 for Fig.10 The transverse cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve in the second state is shown. Fig.12 and Fig.13 , at least part of the cross-sectional shape of the valve sleeve 22 may be semi-circular. The inner surface of the valve sleeve 22 may be formed with a central hole 221 communicating with the open end 12, and the valve sleeve 22 may have a first end surface 225 and a second end surface 226 in the circumferential direction, that is, one end of the circumferential direction of the valve sleeve 22 may have the first end surface 225, and the other end of the circumferential direction of the valve sleeve 22 may have the second end surface 226. The connecting groove ( Fig.12 and Fig.13 A first end surface 225 and a second end surface 226 of the valve sleeve 22 may also be formed between the first end surface 225 and the second end surface 226 of the valve sleeve 22.

[0114] Among them, the circumference of the inner surface between the second end of the first through hole 13 of the cylinder 19 and the first end of the second through hole 14 of the cylinder 19 may be smaller than the circumference of the outer surface of the valve sleeve 22 (i.e., the circumference between the first end face 225 of the valve sleeve 22 and the second end face 226 of the valve sleeve 22).

[0115] Specifically, the outer surface of the valve sleeve 22 can be in contact with the inner surface of the cylinder 19 and can rotate relative to the inner surface of the cylinder 19. Fig.12In the first state shown, the valve sleeve 22 may block a small part of the first through hole 13 or not block the first through hole 13, that is, the projection of the valve sleeve 22 on the cylinder body 19 along the radial direction of the cylinder body 19 does not fall within the first through hole 13 or only a small part falls within the first through hole 13, so that the opening of the first through hole 13 is larger; the valve sleeve 22 may block at least a part of the second through hole 14, so that the opening of the second through hole 14 is smaller.

[0116] When the valve sleeve 22 is in the Fig.13 In the second state shown, the valve sleeve 22 can block at least part of the first through hole 13, that is, the projection of the valve sleeve 22 on the cylinder body 19 along the radial direction of the cylinder body 19 at least partially falls within the first through hole 13, so that the opening of the first through hole 13 is smaller; the valve sleeve 22 can block a small part of the second through hole 14 or not block the second through hole 14, that is, the projection of the valve sleeve 22 on the cylinder body 19 along the radial direction of the cylinder body 19 does not fall within the second through hole 14 or only a small part falls within the second through hole 14, so that the opening of the second through hole 14 is larger.

[0117] Reference below Figure 14-Figure 28 To describe a one-in-two-outlet valve that can change three openings, the use of a one-in-two-outlet valve that can change three openings can have the advantage of changing a large range of flow with a small range of drive.

[0118] The one-in-two-out valve capable of changing two openings provided above and the one-in-two-out valve capable of changing three openings provided below may have the same point that the valve core assembly 2 may include a valve sleeve 22, and the valve sleeve 22 may change the opening of the first through hole 13 and the second through hole 14 by rotating in the cylinder 19. The difference is that the valve core assembly 2 may also include a valve stem 21, and the valve stem 21 may pass through the opening end 12 of the valve body 1, and may change the opening of the opening end 12 of the valve body 1 by sliding along the axis of the cylinder 19.

[0119] Fig.19 for Fig.14 The longitudinal cross-sectional view of the one-inlet-two-outlet valve 92 in the first state is shown. Fig.21 for Fig.14 The one-in-two-outlet valve 92 is shown in a longitudinal cross-sectional view in the second state. Fig.19 21, the valve stem 21 can be inserted into the cylinder 19 along the axial direction of the cylinder 19. Part of the valve stem 21 can be located outside the cover plate 18 to connect with the driver 5; part of the valve stem 21 can be located inside the cylinder 19 and inserted into the open end 12 of the valve body 1, and a flow channel for liquid to flow through can be formed between the outer surface of the part of the valve stem 21 and the inner surface of the open end 12 of the valve body 1. During the axial movement of the valve stem 21 along the cylinder 19, the size of the flow channel can be changed.

[0120] For example, Fig.19 and Fig.21In the embodiment, the valve stem 21 may be fixed with an intercepting plate 24, and the inner surface of the opening end 12 of the valve body 1 may be fixed with an annular water retaining platform 32, that is, the inner surface of the water retaining platform 32 may have a central hole 221. When the valve stem 21 changes from the first state to the second state, the flow channel of the valve body 1 moves downward and decreases. In order to achieve this trend, at least one of the outer surface of the intercepting plate 24 and the inner surface of the water retaining platform 32 has an inclined surface. In one example, reference Fig.19 and Fig.21 The central hole 221 of the water retaining platform 32 may include an inverted cone section, and the diameter of the inverted cone section may be along the end surface close to the opening end 12 of the valve body 1 (ie Fig.19 and Fig.21 The interception plate 24 gradually decreases in the direction of the lower end surface of the cylinder 19 in the valve body 1, so that the distance between the interception plate 24 and the center hole 221 gradually decreases as the interception plate 24 gradually approaches the end surface of the opening end 12 of the valve body 1. Optionally, the center hole 221 may also include a cylindrical section, which may be closer to the end surface of the opening end 12 of the valve body 1 than the inverted cone section, and the diameter of the cylindrical section may be equal to the minimum diameter of the inverted cone section. In the second state, part of the interception plate 24 may be located in the cylindrical section to extend the length of the smaller flow channel.

[0121] In another example, the intercepting plate 24 may be coaxial with the valve stem 21, and the diameter of at least part of the intercepting plate 24 gradually decreases in the direction close to the end surface of the opening end 12 of the valve body 1. In the first state, the end of the intercepting plate 24 with a smaller diameter may be located in the central hole 221 of the water retaining platform 32. In the process of transitioning from the first state to the second state, the end of the intercepting plate 24 with a larger diameter gradually falls into the central hole 221 of the water retaining platform 32, so as to gradually reduce the distance between the intercepting plate 24 and the central hole 221 of the water retaining platform 32.

[0122] Fig. 22 for Fig.21 The transverse cross-sectional view of the mounting plate 31 is shown, referring to Fig.21 and Fig. 22 In order to make the valve stem 21 move stably relative to the valve body 1, optionally, a mounting plate 31 may be fixed in the open end 12 of the valve body 1, and the mounting plate 31 may have a limiting hole for the valve stem 21 to pass through, and part of the valve stem 21 may be slidably arranged in the limiting hole. In addition, a flow channel for liquid to flow through may be provided between the mounting plate 31 and the cylinder 19 or the water retaining platform 32.

[0123] In order to simplify the control, a driver 5 can be used to move the valve stem 21 and rotate the valve sleeve 22. Fig.19 and Fig.21Optionally, the valve stem 21 may include a first end and a second end, and the first end of the valve stem 21 may be threadedly connected to the valve body 1, so that when the driver 5 drives the valve stem 21 to rotate, the valve stem 21 can rotate while moving along the axial direction of the valve stem 21. The second end of the valve stem 21 may be connected to the valve sleeve 22, so that the valve stem 21 drives the valve sleeve 22 to rotate when the valve stem 21 moves. Of course, in order to facilitate the valve stem 21 to change the open end 12 of the valve body 1, the second end of the valve stem 21 may pass through the valve sleeve 22 and may pass through the open end 12 of the valve body 1.

[0124] In addition, in order to make the diameter of the valve stem 21 smaller than the diameter of the cylinder 19, it is convenient to set the valve sleeve 22. Optionally, a shaft sleeve 4 can be accommodated in the accommodation space formed by the cylinder 19 and the cover plate 18. The shaft sleeve 4 can include a mounting portion 41. The outer surface of the mounting portion 41 can be fixed to the inner surface of the cylinder 19, and the interior of the mounting portion 41 can have a threaded hole threadedly connected to the first end of the valve stem 21. In order to prevent the liquid in the accommodation space from leaking out, a sealing ring 8 can be provided between the mounting portion 41 and the inner surface of the cylinder 19. In addition, in order to facilitate the rotation of the valve sleeve 22 in the cylinder 19, refer to Fig.19 and Fig.21 The shaft sleeve 4 may further include a limiting portion 42, which may be coaxially arranged with the mounting portion 41, and the limiting portion 42 may be located below the mounting portion 41. The diameter of the limiting portion 42 may be smaller than the diameter of the mounting portion 41, so that a certain distance may be provided between the limiting portion 42 and the inner surface of the cylinder 19. The valve sleeve 22 may be accommodated within the distance. That is, the valve sleeve 22 may be sleeved on the outer side of the limiting portion 42 and may be embedded in the inner side of the cylinder 19, so as to limit the radial displacement of the valve sleeve 22.

[0125] In addition, the valve stem 21 may drive the valve sleeve 22 to move in the following possible ways:

[0126] In one possible implementation, the valve sleeve 22 may be Figure 15-Figure 21 shown moving relative to the valve stem 21. Figure 15-Figure 21 The side wall of the valve stem 21 may be fixed with a mounting rod 23, and the mounting rod 23 may be arranged along the radial direction of the valve stem 21. The side wall of the valve sleeve 22 may have a mounting groove 227 that cooperates with the mounting rod 23. Since the valve stem 21 moves while rotating, the mounting groove 227 is approximately L-shaped, and the mounting groove 227 may have an opening at one end.

[0127] When the valve stem 21 drives the valve sleeve 22 to rotate through the mounting rod 23 and the mounting groove 227, the valve stem 21 may have the following Fig.15 The first position shown and Fig.17 Second position shown. Fig.16The mounting groove 227 may include a first portion 2271 and a second portion 2272 , wherein the first portion 2271 may extend along the axial direction of the valve sleeve 22 , and the second portion 2272 may extend along the circumferential direction of the valve sleeve 22 , and an end of the second portion 2272 away from the first portion 2271 is open.

[0128] refer to Fig.19 In the first state, the first through hole 13 is at a larger opening, the second through hole 14 is at a smaller opening, and the opening end 12 of the valve body 1 is at a larger opening. Fig.19 During the movement to FIG. 21 , the valve stem 21 can be lowered while rotating clockwise, and the mounting rod 23 is first in the Fig.15 The valve stem 21 can drive the valve sleeve 22 to rotate and descend to form a first position. Fig. 20 and Fig.21 When the lower end surface of the valve sleeve 22 abuts against the limiting portion 42 in the valve body 1, the mounting rod 23 can be Fig.15 The mounting rod 23 is rotated clockwise from the first position shown and slides out of the mounting groove 227 from the opening of the second portion 2272 of the mounting groove 227. Fig.17 The second position shown moves to Fig.15 After the first position shown, to form Fig. 20 The position of the interception plate 24 is shown.

[0129] Similarly, when the valve stem 21 is Fig.21 Rotate to Fig.19 During the process, the valve stem 21 can be rotated counterclockwise while rising, and the mounting rod 23 is moved from Fig.17 The second position shown moves to Fig.15 After the mounting rod 23 moves to the first position, the valve stem 21 continues to rotate counterclockwise to drive the valve sleeve 22 to rotate counterclockwise and rise to form Fig.18 and Fig.19 The opening of the second through hole 14 is shown.

[0130] It should be noted that the above-mentioned limiting portion 42 can limit the lowest rotation position of the valve sleeve 22 , so that when the mounting rod 23 is separated from the mounting groove 227 of the valve sleeve 22 , the limiting portion 42 can support the valve sleeve 22 . Fig.19 and Fig.21 In the embodiment, the upper end surface of the water retaining platform 32 can be higher than the first through hole 13 to facilitate supporting the valve sleeve 22.

[0131] In another possible implementation mode of the valve stem 21 driving the valve sleeve 22 to move, the valve sleeve 22 can be as shown in FIG. Fig.28The valve stem 21 is fixed to the valve sleeve 22. The second end of the valve stem 21 can pass through the valve sleeve 22 and can be fixed to the valve sleeve 22. The valve stem 21 and the valve sleeve 22 can be fixed by welding, bonding or other non-detachable connection, or by snap-fit ​​connection, threaded connection or other detachable connection. Fig.23 and Fig.24 In the embodiment, the side wall of the valve sleeve 22 may be provided with a mounting groove 227, and the mounting groove 227 may have an opening facing downward. The side wall of the valve stem 21 may be fixed with a mounting rod 23, and the mounting rod 23 may be engaged with the mounting groove 227. In order to ensure a stable connection between the valve stem 21 and the valve sleeve 22, there may be at least two mounting rods 23, and the plurality of mounting rods 23 may be evenly distributed on the outer circumference of the valve stem 21. Fig.23 and Fig.24 The example in which two mounting rods 23 are provided is shown.

[0132] It should be noted that the arrangement of the valve sleeve 22 can refer to the arrangement of the valve sleeve 22 in the above text. That is, the interior of the valve sleeve 22 can have a central hole 221, and the side wall of the valve sleeve 22 can be provided with a connecting groove 222 connected to the central hole 221. The difference from the valve sleeve 22 of the one-in-two-outlet valve that changes the opening of the two openings in the above text is that: Figure 15-Figure 21 The mounting groove 227 of the side wall of the valve sleeve 22 shown in the figure needs to be provided with an opening, so the cross-sectional shape of the side wall of the valve sleeve 22 needs to be semi-circular, that is, the circumference of the inner surface between the second end of the first through hole 13 of the cylinder 19 and the first end of the second through hole 14 of the cylinder 19 can be smaller than the circumference of the outer surface of the valve sleeve 22 (that is, the circumference between the first end face 225 of the valve sleeve 22 and the second end face 226 of the valve sleeve 22). In addition, referring to Fig.18 and Fig.19 In the first state, the mounting groove 227 can serve as a connecting groove 222 connected to the second through hole 14. In addition, Figure 23-Figure 28 The lower end surface of the second through hole shown is higher than the upper end surface of the first through hole, so it can be referred to Fig.24 , Fig.26 as well as Fig.28 The valve sleeve has two connecting grooves arranged along the axial direction of the valve sleeve. The upper connecting groove can be used to connect with the second through hole, and the lower connecting groove can be used to connect with the first through hole.

[0133] It is worth mentioning that Fig.19 , Fig.21 , Fig.26 as well as Fig.28 The hollow arrows shown in the figure are the flow direction of the liquid. Fig.19 , Fig.21 , Fig.26 as well as Fig.28The example in which the first through hole 13 can also be the water inlet of a one-in-two-outlet valve, the open end 12 of the valve body 1 can be the first water outlet of the one-in-two-outlet valve, and the second through hole 14 can be the second water outlet of the one-in-two-outlet valve is shown. Of course, the first through hole 13 can also be the first water outlet of the one-in-two-outlet valve, the second through hole 14 can also be the second water outlet of the one-in-two-outlet valve, and the open end 12 of the valve body 1 can be the water inlet of the one-in-two-outlet valve.

[0134] It should be noted that the one-in-two-outlet valve structure mentioned above can also be in a third state, and the third state can be a state between the first state and the second state.

[0135] Embodiment 2

[0136] The water heater 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application may include a water heater 10 body and a water inlet device provided in the above embodiment. The water heater 10 body includes a water inlet end 101, a hot water end 102 and a water outlet end 103, and the water inlet device includes valves, at least part of which is arranged at the water inlet end 101 and is used to adjust the flow of cold water flowing into the water inlet end 101; at least part of the valve is arranged at the hot water end 102 and is used to adjust the flow of cold water flowing into the hot water end 102.

[0137] Embodiment 3

[0138] The control method provided in the embodiment of the present application may include:

[0139] Get the time when the user's last water use ended;

[0140] Get the user's current water use start time;

[0141] Calculate the time interval between the start time of the user's current water use and the end time of the user's last water use;

[0142] The time interval is compared with a preset time period, and when the time interval is less than the preset time period, the valve is controlled to reduce the cold water flow into the water inlet end 101 of the water heater 10 and increase the cold water flow into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 .

[0143] Optionally, the control method of the water heater 10 may further include:

[0144] Obtaining the operating status of the water heater 10;

[0145] Obtaining the heating state of the water heater 10;

[0146] Obtaining the temperature of the water outlet 103 of the water heater 10;

[0147] The valve is controlled according to the operating state, the heating state and the temperature of the water outlet 103 to adjust the cold water flow rate flowing into the water inlet 101 of the water heater 10 and the cold water flow rate flowing into the hot water end 102 of the water heater 10 .

[0148] Among them, the terms "upper" and "lower" are used to describe the relative position relationship of each structure in the accompanying drawings, which is only for the convenience of description and is not used to limit the scope of implementation of the present application. Changes or adjustments to their relative relationships should also be regarded as the scope of implementation of the present application without substantially changing the technical content.

[0149] It should be noted that: in this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above" and "above" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below" and "below" the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0150] In addition, in this application, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral one; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0151] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "illustrative embodiments", "examples", "specific examples", or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present disclosure. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner.

[0152] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit it. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or replace some or all of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. A water inlet device for a water heater, the water heater having a water inlet end, a hot water end and a water outlet end, It is characterized in that The water inlet device includes a storage device, a timer, a valve and a controller; The memory is installed on the water heater and is used to record the end time of the user's last water use; the timer is installed on the water heater and is used to obtain the start time of the user's current water use; At least part of the valves are arranged at the water inlet end and are used to adjust the flow of cold water flowing into the water inlet end; at least part of the valves are arranged at the hot water end and are used to adjust the flow of cold water flowing into the hot water end; The controller is used to calculate the time interval between the start time of the user's current water use and the end time of the user's last water use, and is used to control the valve when the time interval is less than a preset time period, so that the water heater is in a second state, wherein the second state is that the liquid flows into the water inlet end of the water heater at a smaller flow rate and flows into the hot water end of the water heater at a larger flow rate; The valve comprises at least one one-inlet and two-outlet valve, the one-inlet and two-outlet valve comprises a valve body and a valve sleeve; the valve body has a water inlet, a first water outlet and a second water outlet; the first water outlet and the second water outlet are arranged on the left and right sides of the valve body, and the water inlet is arranged at the lower end of the valve body; the valve sleeve has a central hole, the central hole is opposite to the water inlet and communicates with the water inlet; The side wall of the valve sleeve has a first communicating groove and a second communicating groove connected with the center hole, and the first communicating groove and the second communicating groove are respectively opposite to the first water outlet and the second water outlet; the first communicating groove and the second communicating groove have a preset spacing in the circumferential direction of the valve sleeve; when the water heater is in the second state, the lower end of the part of the first communicating groove that is not blocked by the inner surface of the cylinder is lower than the second communicating groove; the upper end of part of the first communicating groove is higher than the lower end of the second communicating groove and lower than the upper end of the second communicating groove; the upper edge line of the first communicating groove gradually tilts upward along the rotation direction of the water heater from the first state to the second state; the left edge line of the first communicating groove is arc-shaped, and the center of the left edge line is located on the central axis plane of the valve sleeve and on the middle and right side of the left edge line; the first state is a water inlet end that flows into the water heater with a larger flow rate, and a hot water end that flows into the water heater with a smaller flow rate.

2. The water inlet device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A water inlet channel is formed between the water inlet and the first water outlet, the water inlet channel is communicated with the water inlet end, a bypass channel is formed between the water inlet and the second water outlet, the bypass channel is communicated with the hot water end; The valve sleeve is disposed in the valve body and is movable in the valve body. The valve sleeve is configured such that when the valve sleeve moves from a first position to a second position relative to the valve body, the flow rate of the water inlet flow channel decreases and the flow rate of the bypass flow channel increases.

3. The water inlet device according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The valve sleeve is rotatably or slidably disposed in the valve body, the first connecting groove is used to connect the water inlet, the center hole and the first water outlet to form the water inlet channel, and the second connecting groove is also used to connect the water inlet, the center hole and the second water outlet to form the bypass channel.

4. The water inlet device according to any one of claims 1 to 2, It is characterized in that The controller is also used to control the valve when the operating state of the water heater is stable, the heating state of the water heater is at the maximum value, and the temperature of the water outlet of the water heater is lower than a preset temperature value, so that the liquid flows into the water inlet of the water heater at a smaller flow rate and flows into the hot water end of the water heater at a smaller flow rate.

5. A water heater, It is characterized in that It comprises a water heater body and a water inlet device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the water heater body comprises a water inlet end, a hot water end and a water outlet end, and the water inlet device comprises a valve, at least part of the valve is arranged at the water inlet end, and is used to adjust the flow of cold water flowing into the water inlet end; at least part of the valve is arranged at the hot water end, and is used to adjust the flow of cold water flowing into the hot water end.

6. A method for controlling a water heater, It is characterized in that The water heater according to claim 5 comprises: Get the time when the user's last water use ended; Get the user's current water use start time; Calculate the time interval between the start time of the user's current water use and the end time of the user's last water use; The time interval is compared with a preset time period, and when the time interval is less than the preset time period, the valve is controlled to reduce the cold water flow into the water inlet end of the water heater and increase the cold water flow into the hot water end of the water heater.

7. The water heater control method according to claim 6, It is characterized in that Also includes: Get the running status of the water heater; Get the heating status of the water heater; Get the temperature of the water outlet of the water heater; The valve is controlled according to the operating state, the heating state and the temperature of the water outlet to adjust the cold water flow into the water inlet end of the water heater and the cold water flow into the hot water end of the water heater.

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